Taking in the Golden Weather
Endless kiwi summers are a right of passage in this country. Just putting the kids in the back, the surfboard on the roof-rack and driving wherever the sea air takes you reminds us why we love this corner of the world.
Born in New Zealand in the 60’s, Derek Henderson knew all about those long car rides, the boredom he felt as a child, but also the excitement of the place that awaited him. In his 2005 self-published monograph, entitled ‘The Terrible Boredom of Paradise’, he truly captures just that. A freeze-frame of the landscape and heart of the road trip.
Henderson started capturing images after assisting a wedding photographer on the weekend in his early 20’s. After that, he was hooked, and found an eye for fashion photography. Making his way through the next ten years, Henderson was introduced to different artists and creatives, landing opportunities in London both in photography and film.
He’s since captured images for multiple publications, is represented by top London agency, MAP and has taken campaign shots for Lexus and the likes of Karen Walker.
As you can probably see in this feature, the landscape speaks loudly in his images and hold memory of time and heart. That’s the most important thing to take away from Derek Henderson – he offers so much heart.
What first got you into photography?
When I discovered books by photographers like Stephen Shore and Joel Sternfeld in the early 80’s.
What motivates you to create?
Knowing that one day I’ll be dead. Filling in time before I die.
What are your biggest inspirations?
Things that most people think as being banal.
What do you want people to feel when looking at your images?
That there’s more going on in the photograph than first appears.
What tools do you use to create your photography?
Mainly my 4” x 5” field camera.
How do you get inspired by places to photograph?
I get in the car and go for a drive to somewhere I haven’t been before or return to somewhere I don’t feel quite right in and try and work out why.
Your images use a lot of juxtapositions and are all unique. What is it about this juxtaposition that you want to make most evident in your work?
To engage the viewer, to get them thinking about something they may not often think about.
What do you think makes a memorable image?
Its form and use of light.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Go with your feelings and don’t be scared what other people think about your work.
What do you have planned for the future?
Doing as little as possible sometimes and doing a lot at other times.
